Northern Flicker

The Northern Flicker name was adopted in place of Yellow-Shafted, and
Red-Shafted. They were considered two seperate species at one point,
but interbreeding has blurred the lines and now they are considered
one. This male obviously comes from Red-Shafted stock. It's
identified as a male by the red moustache. A female doesn't have
this, but has a small patch of colour on the back of the neck. In my
opinion, these are one of the most beautifully marked North American
birds.

Oops! No, I haven't been tallking to Linda! And it's not my spelling ability... it's my typing. You wouldn't believe how many mistakes I make, and how many I catch before I post them, or else have to edit them. Sorry I missed this one.

Wow, seeing the primaries like this I now really understand why they're called "red-shafted". So many bird names come from old-school shotgun ornithologists studying birds "in the hand", & we never see in the field the markings they're named for.

They are indeed a gorgeous bird, & your photography more than does them justice.

So you often see ones with red on the nape? That's strictly a yellow-shafted trait. You sure do seem to be living in Intergrade Central. Do you ever see ones that look like purebred YS, or just the intergrades?

Wonderful photo Jim!! Thanks for the commentary as well. I have not seen a Flicker in many years. My Grandmother used to teach me what all of the birds were and she knew their songs as well. She was a painter and loved to paint them all. I miss my Grandmother, but I am thinkful for what memories I do have.

BTW... check this one out! Not a metal boat, but definitely a lightning rod.

Thanks, Jim. Nice to see what I missed. The shot would've been nowhere as good as this one, converter or no converter. Speaking of gagets, I was so excited about your macro that I ordered the Raynox DCR-250 yesterday. Can't wait for it to get here.